Format

[fawr-mat] /ˈfɔr mæt/

noun
1.
the shape and size of a book as determined by the number of times the original sheet has been folded to the leaves.
Compare , (def 2), , .
2.
the general physical appearance of a book, magazine, or newspaper, such as the typeface, binding, quality of paper, margins, etc.
3.
the organization, plan, style, or type of something:
The format of the show allowed for topical and controversial gags.
4.
Computers. the arrangement of data for computer input or output, such as the number and size of fields in a record or the spacing and punctuation of information in a report.
verb (used with object), formatted, formatting.
5.
to plan or provide a format for:
to format the annual telethon.
6.
Computers.

verb (used without object), formatted, formatting.
7.
to devise a format.
/ˈfɔːmæt/
noun
1.
the general appearance of a publication, including type style, paper, binding, etc
2.
an approximate indication of the size of a publication as determined by the number of times the original sheet of paper is folded to make a leaf See also duodecimo, quarto
3.
style, plan, or arrangement, as of a television programme
4.
(computing)

verb (transitive) -mats, -matting, -matted
5.
to arrange (a book, page, etc) into a specified format
n.

1840, via French format (18c.), ultimately from Modern Latin liber formatus “a book formed” (in such and such a way), referring to shape, size; from past participle of formare “to form” (see form (v.)).
v.

used chiefly of computers, 1964, from format (n.). Related: Formatted; formatting.
format
(fôr’māt’)
Noun The arrangement of data for storage or display.

Verb

1. disk format – to prepare a new, blank disk for writing.
2. file format – how data is arranged in a specific type of file.
(2007-09-04)